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Notal Vision sets its sights on early detection of AMD

In clinical studies, Notal Vision’s Macular Computerized Psychophysical Test (MCPT) was shown to be more than twice as likely to detect the presence of AMD than the current standard diagnostic.Putting on glasses as one grows older seems perfectly normal – …

In clinical studies, Notal Vision’s Macular Computerized Psychophysical Test (MCPT) was shown to be more than twice as likely to detect the presence of AMD than the current standard diagnostic.Putting on glasses as one grows older seems perfectly normal – everyone loses some eyesight as they get older. But in many cases, aging can cause serious vision deterioration. In fact, the leading cause of blindness among people over the age of 50 in the western world is a condition called age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD.) About 8 million people in the US suffer from AMD and it is the cause of blindness among 1.7 million Americans.

A new Israeli-developed device will be able to dramatically improve those statistics. The device, created by the company Notal Vision, provides early detection, referral and treatment of AMD, which are critical elements in preventing vision loss and to maximize treatment benefits.

In a clinical study filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Notal Vision’s Macular Computerized Psychophysical Test (MCPT) was shown to be more than twice as likely to detect the presence of AMD than the current standard diagnostic. The impressive results have led researchers to believe that treatment for AMD can be initiated earlier than is currently possible.

Notal’s new technology employs a concept known as hyperacuity to painlessly and non-invasively detect the retinal lesions from AMD that can lead to loss of central vision.

Notal’s co-founder Dr. Barak Azmon told ISRAEL21c that the MCPT test is more accurate and quicker than any other technology available.

“It’s a visual field technnology that’s looking at signs that are specific for that disease -AMD – it’s a test that takes 4 minutes per eye which diagnoses and monitor the disease,” he said.

Early detection of AMD is critical to halting or slowing the disease’s deleterious effects. The current therapeutic window for treating AMD is extremely brief, numbering days to weeks. Notal Vision’s innovative diagnostic solution, provides an answer to the surging need for early detection and frequent monitoring of this condition.

Azmon and another ophthalmologist, Dr. Yair Alster started Notal, a venture capital funded start-up company based in Tel Aviv in 2000. The company now employs a staff of 14.

Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc. announced last week that it has signed an agreement with Notal for worldwide distribution rights to the device. According to Azmon, the device is currently being shown for the first time to U.S. ophthalmologists, and sales will begin in the summer.

“Our collaboration with Notal Vision is an important step in providing clinicians and patients around the world with a much-needed, non-invasive and highly sensitive diagnostic test for AMD,” said Jim Taylor, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. “We are excited about the opportunity to further enable clinicians and patients to better manage this debilitating disease.”